Act As a Child

Luke 19:1-10 NIV - Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Jericho is the city conquered by Joshua. Jericho is famous for its balm’s medicinal qualities. They have valuable sycamore trees. It is situated between Jerusalem and Ammon in the mountains.[1]

Tax collectors fall under the title of publican. The office was created by the Romans to assist in collecting taxes in the provinces. These individuals were held with low esteem because they would over-tax the citizens to obtain more profit for themselves.[2] As a chief tax collector, he may have been in charge of a district with other tax collectors under him. Zacchaeus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name meaning innocent.[3]

Sycamore fig trees can grow to be thirty or forty feet tall. It has a short trunk and sturdy branches. It is a combination of fig and mulberry trees.[4] It bore fruit several times a year. Often could be found planted near the roadways for its shade. It is not related to the American sycamore tree.

Four times the amount is in reference to the protection of property in Exodus 22:1 and 2 Samuel 12:6.

As a tax collector, Zacchaeus was an outcast among the Jews. Imagine his surprise when Jesus called him by name and invited himself to his home for dinner. It is likely this was one of few kindnesses that was bestowed on him. He was so moved that he changed his ways and became a follower of Jesus. He did not part with all his wealth, but he gave half to the poor. He also promised to return four times any amount he took in excess of what the Roman Empire required. Salvation came to Zacchaeus because he demonstrated a complete change in his character.

What about you? Have you wronged someone? Can you ask this individual for forgiveness and offer to repay up to four times the harm? Will you ask God for forgiveness? God is faithful and he will forgive your sins. He will restore your place at the table. You must ask with sincerity. Can you? Will you?

Bibliography

Dodd, R. Adam. “Jericho.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 871-872. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 199-265. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

“Publican.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1319-1320. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Sycamore.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1515. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Zacchaeus.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1687. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

[1] R. Adam Dodd, “Jericho,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 871-872. [2] “Publican”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1319-1320. [3] “Zacchaeus.” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1687. [4] “Sycamore.” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1515.